U.S. Mining Claim Intelligence
ChoraQuest, LLC is a Georgia-based research firm specializing in U.S. mineral title and unpatented mining claim research. We deliver BLM-, PLSS-, and 43 CFR-literate intelligence to mining operators working in the United States -- from solo prospectors and domestic landmen to U.S. exploration companies, mineral title attorneys, and international operators entering U.S. jurisdictions.
Land expertise meets new technology.
We don't just do land work -- we build the tools that make it faster, sharper, and scalable. Six practices, each backed by proprietary technology we designed and wrote ourselves.
Built here. Available nowhere else.
Every tool below was designed and built by ChoraQuest to solve problems we kept hitting on real projects. They exist because we needed them -- and now our clients use them.
ClaimWatch
On-demand reports, publication-ready maps, workbooks, and spatial data for any area of interest across the western U.S.
Automated Staking
Complete staking packages in minutes -- print-ready location certificates, corner cards, and maps. Process 1,000 claims in the same time as 20.
GroundControl
Analyzes existing claim blocks to determine seniority, resolve overlaps, and confirm which claims actually control the ground.
Built for the field.
Mining & Exploration Companies
Project monitoring, competitor tracking, claim staking, land status verification, and GroundControl analysis. From junior explorers to major operators.
Landmen & Title Professionals
Claims research, disposition history, land status, and withdrawal overlays. Built by a senior landman with 20+ years in the BLM system.
Investors & Acquirers
Claim intelligence and full chain-of-title for mineral asset acquisitions. Delivered independently, on your timeline, through closing.
Owner-led.
A working practice, not a consultancy.
ChoraQuest is led by Mike Sandoz, RL -- a senior landman and GIS developer who has spent 20+ years in the mining and energy sectors. The firm exists because Mike kept building tools to solve problems he hit on real projects, and clients kept asking to use them.
Title research, abstracts, acquisition and divestiture due diligence, land status analysis, mining staking packages, custom ArcGIS Python development, spatial analysis automation -- this is a working practice that bridges traditional land services with modern technology.
Let's talk.
Tell us what you're working on. We'll tell you how we can help -- or whether you even need us.
Frequently asked.
What does ChoraQuest do?
ChoraQuest, LLC is a Georgia-based research firm specializing in U.S. mineral title and unpatented mining claim research. We deliver due diligence, site selection, area-of-interest, and regional prospecting reports for mining operators across the United States.
What U.S. data sources does ChoraQuest use?
BLM Mineral and Land Records System (MLRS), USGS mining district records, BLM CadNSDI PLSS data, and state-level GLO records. We also maintain a 503-entry abbreviation library and an 11,000+ Q&A knowledge base covering 43 CFR, USC Title 30, and the General Mining Act of 1872.
Where does ChoraQuest operate?
ChoraQuest, LLC is a Georgia limited liability company headquartered in Atlanta, GA. We serve all 30 BLM-administered public land states.
Why is U.S. mining claim research specialized work?
U.S. mineral title data is fragmented across federal (BLM MLRS), state (30 separate state systems), and county (patented claim) records. Each layer has its own data format, update cadence, and legal framework. PLSS literacy, 43 CFR familiarity, and BLM MLRS query expertise are prerequisites for accurate research.
Is there a U.S. equivalent of MinView, SAMRAD, or Mineral Titles Online?
No. Unlike Australia, South Africa, Canada, Chile, and Peru, the United States has no centralized national mining cadastre. Federal unpatented claims live in BLM MLRS, state mineral leases live in 30 separate state systems, patented claims are filed at county recorders' offices, and tribal lands are administered separately.
Does ChoraQuest serve international mining operators?
Yes -- alongside our domestic clients. The U.S.-jurisdictional expertise required to navigate fragmented federal/state/county records is the same regardless of where the client is based.
Three platforms. One practice.
ClaimWatch
On-demand reports, maps, workbooks, and spatial data for any area of interest.
claimwatch.io →Stake & Paper
Original reporting and curated intelligence from 650+ authoritative sources.
stakeandpaper.com →ChoraQuest
GIS consulting, mineral title, claim staking, custom development, and AI automation.
choraquest.com →